14 Jan Gunners beaten by Bournemouth as Sanchez sits out

Jordon Ibe’s first Premier League goal for Bournemouth condemned Arsenal to a 2-1 loss on the south coast, with Alexis Sanchez conspicuous by his absence.

Ibe’s first strike for the Cherries in 46 league appearances sunk the Gunners, who leaked two goals in five minutes in this turnaround defeat.

Callum Wilson’s third goal in four league games had Bournemouth level after Hector Bellerin handed the visitors a lead they could only squander.

What they said

(David Davies/PA)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: “I feel overall physically it was a tough game for us. It wasn’t forced errors, just lack of decision-making. We haven’t created enough with the possession we had. We weren’t sharp enough to create chances. Once you’re 1-0 up you should create more chances.”

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: “We had to do it again, do it the hard way; it’s never easy against any team to come back from a losing position. It’s a great sign for us, it has built confidence. There’s always a chance you can come back into a game but to come back and win, and against one of the top teams, that’s another boost for us.”

Star man – Callum Wilson

Bournemouth’s match-winner as he poached the equaliser before showing excellent touch and awareness to set up Ibe’s clincher. Wilshere had been the subject of plenty of World Cup talk but Wilson could have an outside chance himself if he keeps up his current form.

Moment of the match

Bournemouth’s equaliser was a mixture of Ryan Fraser’s well-placed cross, Wilson’s perfect run and finish and Petr Cech’s poor judgement in racing off his line but failing to win the ball. Defender Calum Chambers could perhaps have done better as well.

Data Point

A fantastic first-time ball from Fraser reaches Wilson in the box, who prods home beyond Cech for 1-1! Game on!!#BOUARS 🍒 1-1 🔵 (69)

Wilson has now scored on all three occasions he has faced Arsenal in his career. He also has three goals in his last four Premier League games.

View from the bench

(Adam Davy/PA)

Eddie Howe responded immediately to Arsenal’s opener, throwing on an extra attacker in Lys Mousset, and saw the formation shift pay dividends with two quick goals to earn Bournemouth’s first ever win over Arsenal.

Opposite number Arsene Wenger, seated up in the stand as his touchline ban continued, had the opposite feeling as he brought Aaron Ramsey on for Chambers after the equaliser and, with Arsenal’s defence still reorganising, saw Ibe give the hosts the lead.